A radiologic technologist, also known as medical radiation technologist and as radiographer, performs imaging of the human body for diagnosis or treating medical problems. Radiologic technologists work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories and private practice.

Nature of the workRadiologic technologists use their expertise and knowledge of patient handling, physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology and radiology to assess patients, develop optimal radiologic techniques or plans and evaluate resulting radiographic images.

The allied medical professions include many branches such as, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, surgical technologist, nursing and others. The branch of the allied health field known as radiologic technology also has its own sub-specialties. The term radiologic technologist is a general term relating to various sub-specialties within this field. Titles used to describe the nature of the work vary and include nuclear medicine technologist, radiographer, sonographer, and radiation therapist.

Radiologic technology modalities (or specialties):

Diagnostic radiography – deals with examination of internal organs, bones, cavities and foreign objects; includes cardiovascular imaging and interventional radiography.
Sonography – uses high frequency sound and is used in: obstetrics (including fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy), necology, abdominal, pediatrics, cardiac, vascular and musculo-skeletal region imaging.
Fluoroscopy – live motion radiography (constant radiation) usually used to visualize the digestive system; monitor the administration of contrast agents to highlight vessels and organs or to help position devices within the body (such as pacemakers, guidewires, stents etc.)
CT (computed tomography) – which provides cross-sectional views (slices) of the body; can also reconstruct additional images from those taken to provide more information in either 2 or 3D.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – builds a 2-D or 3-D map of different tissue types within the body.
Nuclear medicine – uses radioactive tracers which can be administered to examine how the body and organs function, for example the kidneys or heart. Certain radioisotopes can also be administered to treat certain cancers such as thyroid cancer.
Radiotherapy – uses radiation to shrink, and sometimes eradicate, cancerous cells/growths in and on the body.
Mammography – uses low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the human breasts.
As with all other occupations in the medical field, radiologic technologists have rotating shifts that include night duties.
EducationEducation slightly vary worldwide mainly because of fairly common references. A high school diploma, passing the entrance requirements and criminal record clearance are mandatory for entry in the radiologic technology program. Formal training programs in radiography range in length that leads to a certificate, an associate or a bachelor’s degree. Citing patient safety concerns, international trend now leans towards a bachelor’s degree. Master degree programs are offered in many countries.

The educational curriculum substantially conforms worldwide. Usually, during their formal education, they must receive some training in human anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, radiopharmacology, pathology, biology, research, nursing procedures, medical imaging science and diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, emergency medical procedures, medical imaging techniques, computer programming, patient care and management, medical ethics and general chemistry.
RisksEpidemiological studies indicate that radiologic technologists employed before 1950 are at increased risk of leukemia and skin cancer, most likely due to the lack of use of radiation monitoring and shielding.
Ionizing radiation, used in a variety of imaging procedures, can damage cells. Lead shields are used on the patient and by the radiologic technologist to reduce exposure by shielding areas that do not need to be imaged from the radiation source. While lead is highly toxic, the shields used medical imaging are coated to prevent lead exposure and are regularly tested for integrity.
Radiologic technologists who develop x-ray films are exposed to various chemical hazards such as sulfur dioxide, glutaraldehyde, and acetic acid. These agents can cause asthma and other health issues.
Theoretically, the strong static magnetic fields of MRI scanners can cause physiological changes. After a human neural cell culture was exposed to a static magnetic field for 15 minutes, changes in cell morphology occurred along with some modifications in the physiological functions of those cells. However, these effects have not yet been independently replicated or confirmed, and this particular study was performed in vitro.
Ultrasound imaging can deform cells in the imaging field, if those cells are in a fluid. However, this effect is not sufficient to damage the cells.
As with any allied health professional, exposure to infectious diseases is likely, and proper precautions such as sterile technique must be employed to reduce the risk of infection.
Spinal cord injuries from lifting heavy patients are very common.

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Is your medical group considering a move? Perhaps you need more or less office space, or you’re moving to a more high-tech or green building? Whatever the reason, moving a diagnostic imaging office is very different than moving a non-healthcare related business. It’s often much more complicated and involves the transport of very expensive and sensitive medical equipment. Such an undertaking should not be left to the average person, to the last minute, or without a thorough plan in place.

Here are some dos and don’ts of moving your diagnostic imaging office:

• DO create a checklist to follow before, during, and after the entire moving process.

• DON’T wait until the last minute to create a checklist because something important will inevitably be overlooked.

• DO be prepared for mishaps; Accidents happen and it’s best to have back-up plans in place.

• DON’T move the entire diagnostic imaging office in one day. If possible, move in stages starting with the furniture and files first, then the medical and office equipment, or vice versa.

• DO communicate the move with enough advanced notice to employees, patients, service providers, the post office, building management, etc. If you have an equipment maintenance management program, contact your account representative to discuss the details of the move.

• DON’T hire the first medical moving company you come across in the yellow pages or online.

• DO ask other medical professionals for moving company recommendations. Post the question on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Google +. Make a list of the recommended moving companies, investigate each company’s reputation on the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List, and contact them for references.

• DON’T forget to sign a contract with the moving company, spelling out, in detail, the agreed upon terms and conditions of the move.

• DO require the moving company to provide plastic containers and not cardboard boxes to use for packing files and office items.

• DO put the in-house IT staff, Original Equipment Manufacturer, or third-party service provider in charge of all aspects relating to the diagnostic imaging equipment.

• DON’T forget to thoroughly clean the diagnostic imaging equipment according to the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s instructions before dismantling and moving.

• DO review the diagnostic imaging equipment service contracts’ moving clause. There may be specific requirements for moving leased equipment or recommendations for installing the equipment in a new location.

• DON’T allow employees to move or lift heavy containers, medical or office equipment or furniture to help avoid injuries. Leave the heavy lifting to the pros.

• DO delegate uncomplicated tasks to different employees. Appoint team leaders and use the manpower to your advantage.

• DON’T forget to provide drinks and snacks to the employees on moving day.

It’s important to remember that moving your diagnostic imaging office, whether it’s down the hall or across town, is extremely complex and should not be taken lightly. It’s best to leave it to the pros – the in-house IT staff, OEM, or third party service provider should have direct contact with the moving company to ensure the medical equipment is moved safely and properly. If you are well prepared for the moving process, have realistic expectations, and take one step at time, it should be fairly painless.

Jennifer Daugherty is a business development coordinator for Charlotte, NC-based The Remi Group, LLC, which provides programs that replace equipment maintenance service contracts, with the goal of saving money, improving equipment performance, and reducing equipment downtime.

I am a Philippine registered Medical Radiologic Technologist with over 10years of experienced, i want to continue my profession in the field of Diagnostic Radiography in Canada what are the necessary steps,requirements or procedures that will make me qualify to be a canadian registered medical radiologic technologist.